Even if you only start a mountain climbing day trips when you first start a mountain, as you gain experience and gain confidence and your range of activities expands, the sexuality of many mountain lovers is that you will eventually aspire to travel longer than one night. In such cases, the capacity of the backpack you will need to be around 50L or larger.
In this class, the overall weight of the luggage, including the contents, often reaches nearly 15kg. Even if that load is applied to a part of the body, it will reduce stress and stabilize the center of gravity even when it is shaken by heavy load, so that there will be solid support posts and ample cushioning on the back, shoulder and waist of the backpack. In that case, the backpack itself inevitably had to become heavier.
Lightness is the cost of comfort and functionality. GREGORY PARAGON series (Maven is the female model) has tried to overturn this common sense . The lineup ranges from 38L to 68L in increments of 10L, but personally I think the top is the top, from 48L, which is starting to get tougher in weight. This time, we will be reviewing a modern, all-around backpack that properly carries the traditions of this brand while also meeting the lightness required of the times.
table of contents
General features
One of the most important things about backpacks is the comfort of carrying, or what is called "fitting," but GREGORY, known for its exceptional commitment to fit and comfort, has been a brand that has been making packs that are unmatched by any other brand in this regard. You may be familiar with the detailed customization of the shoulder and waist harness (hip belt), special back measuring instruments, and careful explanations of the appropriate back length.
The PARAGON 48 that we will introduce today is a model designed for activities of about one night, but the newly developed AEROLON SUSPENSION and MATRIX VENTILATION SYSTEM (matrix ventilation system) are back systems with a new concept that ensure the high stability required for medium to large packs, while creating comfort due to lightness and ventilation The shoulder strap and waist harness are thick and thick, providing a gentle fit that envelops your body. Plus, it's also attractive that it has a wide range of convenient and easy-to-use storage thanks to the functional pockets and straps that are familiar to Gregory these days.
Recommended points
- Anyway, it's comfortable to carry. It feels like your body is wrapped around.
- The 48L is lightweight, weighing less than 1.5kg despite this comfort.
- It has a slightly clean look, yet features that focus on key points.
- Two-layer storage on the head is convenient.
- The citrus red coloring is very good, and it's super good (according to the editorial department)
Points that interest me
- The straps and buckles are small and somewhat difficult to use.
- The fabric itself is thin and slightly delicate.
![[Gregory] GREGORY PARAGON48 Paragon 48](https://images-fe.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81rTcHaoRNL._SS300_.jpg)
Item appearance
Front
side
Back
Main Specifications and ratings
| item | Specifications and ratings |
|---|---|
| material |
|
| color |
|
| Size/Length of the back |
|
| capacity |
48 liters |
| weight |
1.45㎏ |
| Maximum load weight |
18kg |
| Variations (Female model) |
|
| Main Access | Top/Bottom |
| Rear system | Aerolon Suspension + Matrix Ventilation System |
| Rear length adjustment | ◯ |
| Hydration compatible | ◯ |
| Rain cover | 〇 |
| function |
|
| Comfort | ★★★★★ |
| weight | ★★★★☆ |
| Stability | ★★★★☆ |
| Ease of use | ★★★★☆ |
| Storage and functionality | ★★★★☆ |
| Versatility | ★★★★☆ |
| Durability | ★★★☆☆ |
| Overall score |
★★★★★ |
Detailed review
Rear system
First of all, our top recommendation is the distinctive back system (aerolon suspension) that makes it comfortable to carry. The main body has a lightweight aluminum frame with a special structure that fits the back to suit the shape of your body. The pad that hits your back is also thick and soft, reducing the stress placed on your body due to load. In particular, the waist harness has an excellent balance of lightweight, breathability, strength and cushioning. This shows the lack of gaps in comfort.
The part on the back where the back is attached is covered in mesh and is triangularly hollowed out. It is clear that it is moderately thick (cushion), but also pays attention to ventilation and light weight.
This foam is also used for shoulder bags. This overall consideration can be said to have achieved a high level of breathability in a backpack with a pattern that fits closely to the back.
The back is often adjusted by peeling off the Velcro at the base of the shoulder harness, adjusting the range, and fixing it.
By the way, as per the catalog, I was able to carry it comfortably if the maximum load weight was within the 18kg range. The accuracy of the numbers around this category is probably Gregory.
Comparing the construction of the back with another model from the same Gregory
As for the thickness of each pad, since we're going to have it, let's compare it with the ones we've reviewed in the past by the editorial department. Although there are differences in capacity, these three backpacks are used for almost the same purpose. When I lined up to take photos, it looks like the three brothers. When I compared it, I found some surprising discoveries.
First, start with the shoulder harness. I compared it with both Stout and Zulu
A comparison of shoulder harness with stouts.
A comparison of shoulder harness with Zulu.
The thickness of the shoulder pads is generally the same. However, Paragon's pad material is not only lightweight but also a special EVA foam that emphasizes cushioning, so it is definitely highly comfortable against heavy loads.
Next, what about the waist harness? First of all, when compared to stouts, there is a clear difference in thickness.
Its heaviness is clear even when compared to Zulu.
Paragon's waist harness is quite thick, and it also uses a special EVA foam that is lightweight, breathable and highly cushioned, mentioned in the shoulder harness, which means it achieves the most stable and comfortable of the three siblings.
A variety of comfortable and convenient storage spaces that are easy to use
The two-layer structure makes it very convenient to distribute valuables.
Personally, I really liked it because I can fix my finger to the black loop at the tip of the top zipper on the canopy (image below) and move the wide-open zipper, which reduces the stress of opening and closing.
The two-chamber structure, which allows access to the main storage from both the top and bottom, allows you to quickly put in and take out items packed into and out when taking out items packed into the bottom, such as tents and sleeping bags. Incidentally, there were no partitions on the inside.
There are mesh pockets on the front and sides. The side pocket is large enough to easily fit a 500ml plastic bottle.
There is a rain cover inside the front pocket.
The main storage entrance is a quick lock drawcord system that makes it easy to squeeze and open even when wearing gloves, especially in the winter. Although it has been adopted in many advanced models over the past few years, the handle loop has become much larger and easier to operate than before. As an aside, this vinyl resin-covered loop was cloudy all the time, perhaps because the inside didn't dry out when it got wet... and this was a trivial thing that had nothing to do with its functionality.
The length adjustment parts of the waist harness are also designed to make it easy to release tension. This is a small detail, but this commitment creates comfort.
The shoulder pad has parts that rack sunglasses called "Sunglasses Quick Stow." I love this unique attention to detail that has never happened before.
It's lightweight, so you should be careful about it
The buckle and strap are thin, so care is required when using and handling. Also, the fact that the main body fabric is slightly thinner is a part that leaves you feeling unsure about damage. Although the eyes are quite clogged, there are also mesh parts, so be careful of snow adhering. The timing and environment of use will be discussed while consulting with the nature of the backpack.
Summary: What kind of activities do you recommend?
Based on a basic and simple structure, this extremely complete Paragon/Maven is packed with lightweight and easy-to-use features, and with modern compact equipment, it can accommodate any activity that is one night long with a tent. Especially if you're looking for fast packing activities or climbing in a hut, I think it's fine for more than two nights.
This type of backpack can be seen by the characteristics of its features, but if you understand this and use it while covering some risks, it has plenty of potential to cover a wide range of uses, not just for hiking or trekking, including rocks, streams, and snow throughout the four seasons.
The balanced combination of functionality and storage is also attractive, and the exterior is not too cluttered. It also has a high design and can be used without floating around in the city.
The feeling of gently wrapping around my back makes me addicted, and I always feel like I want to go out even more. For example, even on a day trip, it's not a bad day to go on a gourmet hiking holiday, where you can bring a lot of bulky ingredients and cooking utensils and make a treat in the mountains. Another new standard from GREGORY has been born, which I would like many people to try.
GREGORY PARAGON 48
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